Calling my Representatives about Refugees and Immigration

I called my representatives recently—for the first time in over 20 years! Here’s (roughly) what I said:

My name is David Hjelle, and I live in Fargo, North Dakota.

I’m calling today because of I have deep concerns about recent executive orders regarding refugees and immigrants. I don’t have all the answers! However, I would like to hold our country to a high standard, the same standard that I try hold myself and my family to: treat others like you would like to be treated. 

First, for refugees who have already been carefully vetted and approved: we should continue to support them as they transition to a new life. We should continue to accept as many new refugees as possible.

Second, Americans pride ourselves on legal due process and being innocent until proven guilty. Mass deportations of any sort and detaining people on military bases such as Guantanamo do not correspond to those values in any way, and must end immediately. There must be better ways to enforce the law. 

I hope you can help find a way to make American a great neighbor to those who need her the most.

---

References for the curious:

• https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/expanding-migrant-operations-center-at-naval-station-guantanamo-bay-to-full-capacity
• https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/realigning-the-united-states-refugee-admissions-program
• https://worldrelief.org/christianstatement/